The 2026 Locarno Film Festival has concluded with a generally underwhelming competition lineup and selection of Piazza films. Situated between the prominent festivals of Cannes and Venice, Locarno carves a niche by showcasing experimental works. This year’s festival notably featured films from emerging countries, demonstrating a commitment to discovering new cinematic voices. However, the festival appears somewhat constrained by its position in the annual film festival calendar. While it continues to offer a platform for unique films, it struggles to attract the same high-profile releases as its larger counterparts. The review suggests a need for Locarno to further define its identity to stand out amongst the global film circuit. Despite this, the festival remains an important space for innovative and boundary-pushing cinema.